Non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by communication apparatus, the communication apparatus, and list creating method

ABSTRACT

A non-transitory storage medium stores instructions executable by a processor of a communication apparatus configured to communicate with a function executing device. The communication apparatus includes a communication device and a database. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the communication apparatus to execute: a determination processing in which the communication apparatus determines whether there is a device list in the database at an initial start of the communication apparatus, the device list being a list of at least one function executing device; a search processing in which the communication apparatus searches for the function executing device communicable with the communication apparatus when the communication apparatus determines in the determination processing that there is not the device list in the database; and a creation processing in which the communication apparatus creates the device list based on a result of the search processing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2019-030340, which was filed on Feb. 22, 2019, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The following disclosure relates to a technique of creating a devicelist that is a list of at least one communicable function executingdevice.

There is known an information processing device connected to a pluralityof printers over a network and including a designating portion fordesignating a group. The information processing device displays a listof icons indicating printers classified in the group designated by thedesignating portion.

There is also known a technique of transmitting information relating toa printer indicated by one of the icons displayed in list form, toanother information processing device via a network.

SUMMARY

In this conventional information processing device, however, it isunknown when the printer classified in the group is searched and whenthe information relating to the printer indicated by one of the iconsdisplayed in list form is obtained. This makes it impossible toefficiently search for the printer and obtain information relating tothe printer at an optimum timing.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure relates to a technique ofsearching for a function executing device at an optimum timing toefficiently create a device list.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory storage medium storesa plurality of instructions executable by a processor of a communicationapparatus configured to communicate with a function executing device.The communication apparatus includes a communication device and adatabase. The plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor,cause the communication apparatus to execute: a determination processingin which the communication apparatus determines whether there is adevice list in the database at an initial start of the communicationapparatus, the device list being a list of at least one functionexecuting device; a search processing in which the communicationapparatus searches for the function executing device communicable withthe communication apparatus when the communication apparatus determinesin the determination processing that there is not the device list in thedatabase; and a creation processing in which the communication apparatuscreates the device list based on a result of the search processing.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a communication apparatus includes:a communication device configured to communicate with a functionexecuting device; a database; and a controller configured to execute: adetermination processing in which the controller determines whetherthere is a device list in the database at an initial start of thecommunication apparatus, the device list being a list of at least onefunction executing device; a search processing in which the controllersearches for the function executing device communicable with thecommunication apparatus when the controller determines in thedetermination processing that there is not the device list in thedatabase; and a creation processing in which the controller creates thedevice list based on a result of the search processing.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a list creating methodfor a communication apparatus configured to communicate with a functionexecuting device. The communication apparatus includes a communicationdevice and a database. The list creating method includes: determiningwhether there is a device list in the database at an initial start ofthe communication apparatus, the device list being a list of at leastone function executing device; searching for the function executingdevice communicable with the communication apparatus when it isdetermined that there is not the device list in the database; andcreating the device list based on a result of the searching.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features, advantages, and technical and industrialsignificance of the present disclosure will be better understood byreading the following detailed description of the embodiment, whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a personal computer configured to executean information processing program according to one embodiment, andmulti-function peripherals (MFPs) connected to the personal computercommunicably;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of one example of aconfiguration of the information processing program loaded into astorage of the personal computer in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of one example of data transfer between a presentationlayer and each of other layers and a database when the presentationlayer constructs a user interface;

FIG. 4 is a view of one example of data transfer among the layers andbetween each layer and the database when updating device information;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a case where a background serviceis not installed when the information processing program in FIG. 2 isinstalled on the storage of the personal computer in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one example in the case where thestorage of the personal computer in FIG. 1 stores two databases usableby the information processing program in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating one example in the case where thestorage of the personal computer in FIG. 1 stores no database usable bythe information processing program in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing a procedure of a device-list creatingprocess that is executed by the personal computer in FIG. 1, especially,a central processing unit (CPU);

FIG. 9A is a view of one example of a database-selection screen;

FIG. 9B is a view of one example of a device-list selection screen;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating one example of a HOME screen that isdisplayed when the information processing program according to thepresent embodiment is started in a state in which the database and adevice list are determined;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating one example of the HOME screen in thecase where ten MFPs belong to a group B among the MFPs on the devicelist are displayed on a device-list region;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating one example of the HOME screen in thecase where the group B is selected in a state in which no MFPs belong tothe group B;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating one example of the HOME screen in thecase where the uppermost one of the MFPs displayed on the device-listregion is selected on the HOME screen in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating one example of the HOME screen in thecase where ones of the MFPs displayed on the device-list region areselected on the HOME screen in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating one example of a detail-informationwindow relating to the selected MFP;

FIG. 16 is a view of one example of a drop-down list displayed when adrop-down button is pressed on the HOME screen in FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a view of one example of a new-smart-filter creating window;

FIG. 18 is a view of one example of the drop-down list when a drop-downbutton is pressed on the new-smart-filter creating window in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a view of one example of an IP-address input window;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are views each illustrating one example of a new-groupcreating window;

FIG. 21 is a view of one example of a right pane when two “Show all”buttons are pressed on the HOME screen in FIG. 14;

FIG. 22 is a view of one example of a task setting screen for “SendFiles”;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating one example of the HOME screen displayedafter a task is set on the task setting screen;

FIG. 24 is a view of one example of a task setting screen for “FirmwareUpdate”;

FIG. 25 is a view of one example of a task setting screen for “EditDevice Settings”;

FIG. 26 is a view of one example of an application setting screen;

FIG. 27 is a view of one example of a task screen;

FIG. 28 is a view of one example of a task screen in the case where theuppermost one of working tasks displayed on a working-task list regionis selected on the task screen in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a view of one example of a reconfirmation window;

FIG. 30 is a view of one example of a task screen displayed when theuppermost one of finished tasks displayed on a task-log region isselected on the task screen in FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a view of one example of a task-detail screen;

FIG. 32 is a view of one example of a task setting screen;

FIG. 33 is a view of one example of a warning window;

FIG. 34 is a view of one example of a task setting screen in the casewhere a password input box is displayed in response to pressing of apassword-input request button on the task setting screen in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a view of one example of a task setting screen displayedafter a setting button is pressed by a user on the task setting screenin FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a view of one example of a task setting screen displayedafter a Send button is pressed by the user on the task setting screen inFIG. 35; and

FIG. 37 is a view illustrating setting of passwords individually for theMFPs displayed on a transmission-destination-list region of the tasksetting screen.

EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, there will be described one embodiment by reference to thedrawings. It is to be understood that the following embodiment isdescribed only by way of example, and the disclosure may be otherwiseembodied with various modifications without departing from the scope andspirit of the disclosure.

System Configuration

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of (i) a personal computer (PC) 100configured to execute an information processing program according to oneembodiment, and (ii) multi-function peripherals (MFPs) 200 connected tothe PC 100 communicably.

The PC 100 includes an operation interface 110, a display 120, a voiceinput/output (I/O) interface 130, a central processing unit (CPU) 140, astorage 150, and a communication interface 160.

The operation interface 110 typically includes a keyboard and a mouse.

The display 120 includes: a display device such as a liquid crystaldisplay and an organic EL display; and a drive circuit for driving thedisplay device. In the case where a display using a touch screen is usedas the display 120, the user can press an input button on the screen toperform an input operation. Accordingly, the display 120 also functionsas the operation interface 110 in this case.

The voice I/O interface 130 includes a microphone, a speaker, and avoice processing circuit.

The CPU 140 executes various application programs including theinformation processing program according to the present embodiment, andfirmware, for example. It is noted that each of the application programswill be hereinafter referred to as “application”.

The storage 150 includes a read only memory (ROM), a random accessmemory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and anoptical disc drive. The ROM stores firmware and various kinds of data.The RAM is used as a temporarily storage device which loads theapplication programs and which is used for the CPU 140 to executevarious processings.

A storage 108 stores an operating system (OS), the informationprocessing program according to the present embodiment, and othervarious applications and the data, for example.

The various applications may be downloaded from an external server, notillustrated, via the communication interface 160. It is noted thatapplications may be downloaded from an external device, not illustrated,via a universal-serial-bus (USB) interface provided in the PC 100.

The information processing program according to the present embodimentis an application according to which the PC 100 is capable of displayingstatuses of a plurality of functions (specifically, a printing function,a scanner function, and a facsimile function) of each of the MFPs 200and capable of managing the functions of the MFPs 200.

The communication interface 160 is configured to connect the PC 100 to acommunication network 300 and connect an external device to the PC 100.In the present embodiment, the communication network 300 is a wired orwireless local area network (LAN). Thus, the communication interface 160is a local-area-network interface (LANIF) or a wireless-LAN interface(WLANIF). In the case where the wired LAN and the wireless LAN exist atthe same time, the communication interface 160 includes both the LANIFand the WLANIF. The communication network 300 is not limited to the LANand may be other types of networks such as the Internet. Examples ofinterfaces directly connecting the external device to the PC 100 includethe USB interface and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of the MFPs 200 are connected tothe communication network 300. It is assumed that the MFPs 200 are ofthe same model manufactured by the same manufacture for easierunderstanding purposes in the present embodiment. However, the MFPs 200may be manufactured by different manufactures and may be of differentmodels manufactured by the same manufacture. In the present embodiment,the MFP is an example of a function executing device. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to this, and any of a single printer,a scanner, and a copying machine may be used as the function executingdevice, and the MFP and any one or ones of the printer, the scanner, andthe copying machine may exist at the same time.

A single MFP 200 is directly connected to the PC 100 without beingconnected via the communication network 300. This MFP 200 is connectedto the PC 100 using the USB interface in the present embodiment.

Configuration of Information Processing Program

The information processing program according to the present embodimentis installed in the storage 150 of the PC 100, e.g., the hard diskdrive. The CPU 140 loads the contents of the information processingprogram into the RAM of the storage 150 to execute a background service152 (see FIG. 2). When the user presses an icon, not illustrated, forinstructing execution of the information processing program, the CPU 140executes the information processing program in a presentation layer 151(see FIG. 2).

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of one example of the configuration of theloaded information processing program. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theinformation processing program has a multi-tier structure and includesthe presentation layer 151, the background service 152, and adata-service layer 153 in order from the highest level layer toward thelowest level layer. A database 154 is connected to the data-servicelayer 153. A business logic layer 155, a data-control layer 156, aprotocol layer 157, and an interface layer 158 are provided below thebackground service 152. The layers from the business logic layer 155 tothe interface layer 158 may be hereinafter collectively referred to as“platform” (PF). It is noted that the block of the background service152 covers only a portion of the block of the business logic layer 155.This is because access of the business logic layer 155 is performed viathe background service 152 in some case and performed directly from thepresentation layer 151 in another case (see FIG. 5).

The presentation layer 151 provides a graphical user interface (GUI) andmanages parameters unique to this GUI. The CPU 140 executes thefunctions of the data-service layer 153 and the business logic layer 155via the background service 152 and displays its results on the GUI.

The background service 152 is a module executable as a backgroundservice on the operating system. The background service 152 receives arequest from the presentation layer 151 and maintaining the data-servicelayer 153. When updating data in the data-service layer 153, the CPU 140calls the business logic layer 155 of the platform and stores its resultinto the data-service layer 153.

The data-service layer 153 provides application programming interfaces(APIs) for reading and writing data from and into the database 154 (andexclusion control in the reading and writing) and for adding anddeleting data. The data-service layer 153 also manages device-actionscenarios executable in the background service 152 and provides a systemof notification between the presentation layer 151 and the backgroundservice 152. It is noted that the device-action scenario defines aprocedure that is used when data is written into or read from thedatabase 154.

The business logic layer 155 manages transactions of the data-controllayer 156 and provides a device searching function.

The data-control layer 156 uses a management information base (MIB), aprinter job language (PJL), JavaScript (registered trademark) ObjectNotation (JSON), and the like to provide a function for inputting andoutputting data to and from the MFP 200.

The protocol layer 157 provides input and output of data to and from aUSB port of the designated MFP 200 and provides input and output of datato and from the 9100th port according to the Transmission ControlProtocol (TCP). The protocol layer 157 provides input and output of dataaccording to the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) of thedesignated MFP 200. The protocol layer 157 provides input and output ofdata according to the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) of thedesignated MFP 200 or a service.

The interface layer 158 is used in the case where a printer driver, aUSB driver, a receptacle (socket), or the HTTP is used for input andoutput of data.

The database 154 stores various kinds of information relating to theMFPs 200 such as a list of the MFPs 200, an operating state of each ofthe MFPs 200, and logs.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of data transfer among the layers 151-153and between each of the layers 151-153 and the database 154 when thepresentation layer 151 constructs a user interface (UI). Each of arrowsA1-A5 in FIG. 3 indicates a flow of data. The arrow A1 indicates arequest of information managed in the data-service layer 153 from thepresentation layer 151 to the background service 152. The arrow A2indicates calling of the interface of the data-service layer 153. Thearrow A3 indicates reading of the managed database from the database154. The arrow A4 indicates a return of information read from thedatabase as a reply. The arrow A5 indicates a return of the obtainedinformation for the presentation layer 151 to construct the userinterface.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of data transfer among the layers151-153, 155 and between each of the layers 151-153, 155 and thedatabase 154 when updating device information. Each of arrows B1-B20 inFIG. 4 indicates a flow of data. The arrow B1 indicates a request ofregistration of the device-action scenario from the presentation layer151 to the background service 152. The arrow B2 indicates calling of theinterface of the data-service layer 153 and registration of thedevice-action scenario. The arrow B3 indicates writing of data into thedatabase 154. The arrow B4 indicates notifying the database 154 of thecompletion of the writing. The arrow B5 indicates notifying theapplication, i.e., the information processing program according to thepresent embodiment, of the completion of the registration of thedevice-action scenario, via the presentation layer 151. The arrow B6indicates requesting the background service 152, in response to anupdate of the device-action scenario, to reevaluate adevice-action-scenario database that is a portion of the database 154(to check whether there is a need for instant execution). The arrow B7indicates requesting the data-service layer 153 to obtain thedevice-action scenario. The arrow B8 indicates obtainment of informationfrom the database 154. The arrow B9 indicates a return of information ofa necessary device-action scenario. The arrow B10 indicates a request ofexecution to the business logic layer 155. The arrow B11 indicates areturn of the result of the execution. The arrow B12 indicates a requestof writing of data onto the database 154 based on the result of theexecution. The arrow B13 indicates writing onto the database 154. Thearrow B14 indicates notification of the completion of the writing. Thearrow B15 indicates notifying the presentation layer 151 of thecompletion of the reevaluation of the device-action-scenario database.The arrow B16 indicates requesting the background service 152 to obtainthe device-action scenario. The arrow B17 indicates calling of theinterface of the data-service layer 153 and obtainment of thedevice-action scenario. The arrow B18 indicates reading of data from thedatabase 154. The arrow B19 indicates a return of the data obtained fromthe database 154. The arrow B20 indicates a return of the obtaineddevice-action scenario to the presentation layer 151.

Device-List Creating Process

There will be next described, with reference to FIG. 8, a device-listcreating process that is executed by the PC 100, particularly, the CPU140. It is noted that a device list is a list of the MFPs 200communicable with the PC 100.

The present device-list creating process is executed in initial start ofthe PC 100. Specifically, the initial start is at least one of the firststart of the PC 100 after a configuration of the information processingprogram according to the present embodiment, the first start of the PC100 after an update of software of the information processing programaccording to the present embodiment, and the first start of the PC 100after deletion of the database 154.

The flow of the device-list creating process in FIG. 8 begins with S1 atwhich the CPU 140 determines whether the database is accessible via theplatform. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, theCPU 140 requests information managed in the data-service layer 153, fromthe presentation layer 151 to the background service 152. In the casewhere the background service 152 is not installed or in the case wherethe background service 152 is stopped (see FIG. 5), for example, the CPU140 cannot access the data-service layer 153 via the background service152, and the CPU 140 cannot obtain data. That is, in the case where thebackground service 152 is not accessible, the CPU 140 determines thatthe database is not accessible via the platform.

The reason why the CPU 140 determines whether the database is accessiblevia the platform is that in the case where the database is accessiblevia the platform, obtaining and updating the result of search of theMFPs 200 and the device list may be performed on the common database inthe PC 100. This reduces the load on the PC 100.

When the CPU 140 determines that the database is accessible via theplatform (S1: YES), the CPU 140 at S2 determines whether or not there isone or more databases. When a positive decision (YES) is made at S2, theCPU 140 at S3 determines whether or not there are two or more databases.It is noted that processings to be executed after the positive decision(YES) is made at S1, i.e., processings S2-S11 are executed via theplatform through not indicated in FIG. 8.

In the case where there are two databases, namely, a database 154 a anda database 154 b, as a result of the determination at S3 as illustratedin FIG. 6, for example, the CPU 140 at S4 controls the display 120 todisplay a database-selection screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 9A to promptthe user to select one of the databases. The selection is, for example,performed by moving a cursor, not illustrated, over one of the databases(DB1 or DB2 in FIG. 9A) displayed on the database-selection screen 400and pressing an OK button 401.

The CPU 140 at S5 waits until one of the databases is selected. When oneof the databases is selected, this flow goes to S6.

When the CPU 140 at S3 determines that only the database 154 is providedas illustrated in FIG. 2 (S3: NO), this flow goes to S6.

The CPU 140 at S6 determines whether the database stores only one devicelist. When the CPU 140 at S6 determines that the database stores onlyone device list (S6: YES), the CPU 140 at S7 reads the device list fromthe database. The CPU 140 at S8 updates the function executing deviceson the device list, i.e., information relating to the MFPs 200 in thepresent embodiment, and this flow ends.

When the CPU 140 at S6 determines that the database stores a pluralityof the device lists (S6: NO), the CPU 140 displays the device-listselection screen at S9 to prompt the user to select one of the devicelists. FIG. 9B illustrates one example of a device-list selection screen410 in the case where the database stores two device lists. Like theselection of the database, the selection of the device list on thedevice-list selection screen 410 is performed by the cursor and an OKbutton 411.

The CPU 140 at S10 waits until one of the device lists is selected. Whenone of the device lists is selected, this flow goes to S7.

In the present device-list creating process as described above, in thecase where the database stores one or more device lists, the CPU 140effectively uses the device list to perform only the update of theinformation relating to the MFPs 200 on the device list withoutperforming a new search of the MFPs 200 and a new creation of the devicelist.

When the CPU 140 at S2 determines that no database is stored (S2: NO),the CPU 140 at S11 searches for the MFPs 200 via the platform. FIG. 7illustrates one example of a case where no database is provided thoughthe background service 152 is installed, and the positive decision (YES)is made at S1. The search at S11, specifically, is performed bytransmitting a packet to a broadcast address and determining whether theMFP 200 responds to this.

The CPU 140 at S12 creates a device list based on the result of thesearch and at S13 registers the created device list into the database,and this flow ends.

When the CPU 140 at S1 determines that the database is not accessiblevia the platform, the CPU 140 at S14 calls the business logic layer 155to search for the MFPs 200 not via the platform, and this flow goes toS12. The CPU 140 executes the processings at S12 and S13, and this flowends.

Configuration of HOME Screen

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a HOME screen 500 displayed when theinformation processing program according to the present embodiment isstarted after the database and the device list are determined.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the HOME screen 500 contains a device button501, a task button 502, and an application setting button 503. Thedevice button 501 is an operating symbol for displaying the informationrelating to the MFPs 200 on the device list. The task button 502 is anoperating symbol for displaying the current and previous statuses of thetasks. The application setting button 503 is an operating symbol fordisplaying an application setting screen.

The HOME screen 500 further contains a left pane 510 and a center pane520.

The center pane 520 contains a device-list region 525 for displaying (i)the names of the selected all or some of the MFPs 200 on the device list(“Model Name” in FIG. 10) and (ii) relevant information (“DeviceStatus”, “Supply Level”, “Node Name”, “IP Address”, and “Serial Number”in FIG. 10). Here, “Device Status” indicates an operating status of theMFP 200, and “Supply Level” indicates a consumable remaining amount.Examples of consumables include toner and ink.

An upper portion of the center pane 520 contains a status-selectioncombo box 521 for switching the MFPs 200 to be displayed on the centerpane 520, according to their respective statuses. A drop-down button 522is provided at a right end of the status-selection combo box 521. Whenthe drop-down button 522 is pressed by the user, as illustrated in FIG.16, a drop-down list 550 is displayed. When one of a plurality ofstatuses on the drop-down list 550 is selected by the user, the selectedstatus is input to the status-selection combo box 521. In response, theMFP or MFPs 200 having the status matching the input status are selectedand displayed on the device-list region 525 of the center pane 520.

An update button 523 is provided to the right of the status-selectioncombo box 521. The update button 523 is for updating the status of eachof the MFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525 to the lateststatus.

Two types of check boxes 526, 527 are provided at a left end of thedevice-list region 525. An uppermost check box 526 can collectivelychange a selected or unselected state for all check boxes 527 providedfor the respective MFPs 200. Each of the check boxes 527 canindividually change the selected or unselected state for a correspondingone of the MFPs 200.

A lowermost portion of the center pane 520 contains a status-basisdevice-number display region 528 for displaying the number of the MFPs200 for each status.

The present information processing program is configured to performgrouping of the MFPs 200 on the device list. The grouping may be dividedinto two types: “Smart Filter” and “Group”.

The left pane 510 is a region for selecting a group after the grouping.The left pane 510 contains an operating symbol 511 for switching theleft pane 510 to its closed state. When the operating symbol 511 ispressed, the center pane 520 is displayed over the HOME screen 500 inits lateral direction in the example in FIG. 10.

The left pane 510 contains: an all-device selection region 512 fordisplaying all the MFPs 200 on the device list on the device-list region525; a smart-filter selection region 513 for selecting a group belongingto a category corresponding to “Smart Filter”; and a group selectionregion 515 for selecting a group belonging to a category correspondingto “Group”.

The left pane 510 further contains: a “+” operating symbol 514 forcreating a new smart filter; and a “+” operating symbol 516 for creatinga new group.

In the case where the user operates the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 10 tochange the MFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525 from all theMFPs 200 to ten MFPs 200 belonging to a group B, the user presses anicon “Device Group B(10)” displayed on the group selection region 515 ofthe left pane 510.

FIG. 11 illustrates the HOME screen 500 in the case where ten MFPs 200belonging to the group B among the MFPs 200 on the device list aredisplayed on the device-list region 525.

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of the HOME screen 500 in the case wherethe group B is selected in a state in which no MFPs 200 belong to thegroup B. Since there are no MFPs 200 to be displayed on the device-listregion 525 in FIG. 12, a message “There are no device in this group.” isdisplayed on the device-list region 525 in FIG. 12, for example. Amessage “To add a device, select the device you want to add and add thedevice from “Add to Groups” on the right window.” is also displayed onthe device-list region 525. The right window is a right pane 530 in FIG.13, and “Add to Groups” is a menu displayed on an action selectionregion 532 of the right pane 530. The menu “Add to Groups” is selectedby clicking a tab 532 b on the action selection region 532.

When the user operates the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 10 to select anuppermost one of the MFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525,as illustrated in FIG. 13, the check box 527 corresponding to the MFP200 is checked. In response, the right pane 530 is displayed on the HOMEscreen 500.

The right pane 530 is a region for instructing an action and a task forthe selected MFP 200. The action is an operation for instantly executinga processing for the selected MFP 200. The task is an operation forexecuting the processing for the selected MFP 200 in accordance with alapse of time including an instant. An instant task is an operation tobe performed instantly among the tasks. A scheduled task is an operationto be performed according to a set schedule among the tasks.

The right pane 530 contains: a region 531 indicating a status of theselected MFP 200; the action selection region 532 for selection of atype of the action to be instructed; an instant-task selection region533 for selection of a type of the instant task to be instructed; and ascheduled-task selection region 534 for selection of a type of thescheduled task to be instructed.

When only one of the MFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525 isselected, as illustrated in FIG. 13, an icon representing the selectedMFP 200 and information relating to the selected MFP 200 are displayedon the region 531 of the right pane 530. In the illustrated example, theinformation displayed on the region 531 represents the name of the MFP200 “MFC-L9570CDW Series”, the IP address “192.168.100.14”, and thestatus “Ready”.

When “Show Details” displayed on the region 531 is pressed by the user,detail information relating to the selected MFP 200 is displayed on apop-up window, for example. FIG. 15 illustrates one example of detailinformation.

When the user operates the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 10 to select ones ofthe MFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the check boxes 527 corresponding to the respective selectedMFPs 200 are checked. In response, the right pane 530 is displayed onthe HOME screen 500.

Different from the region 531 of the right pane 530 in FIG. 13, only theicons and a message indicating that the nineteen MFPs 200 are selectedare displayed on the region 531 of the right pane 530 in FIG. 14. Thisis because the size of the region 531 is too small to displayinformation relating to a plurality of the MFPs 200.

Creation of New Group

When the user operates the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 10 to press the “+”operating symbol 514 on the left pane 510, a new-smart-filter creatingwindow is popped up. FIG. 17 illustrates one example of anew-smart-filter creating window 560.

The new-smart-filter creating window 560 contains: a text box 561 forinput of a group name; check boxes 562, 563 for selecting a manner ofconnection of the MFP 200, that is, for selecting which is to be usedfor connection, a network or a USB; and radio buttons 564, 565 forselecting which is to be used for combination of conditions, “And” or“Or”.

The new-smart-filter creating window 560 further contains a region 566for setting conditions belonging to this group. Each of the conditionsmay be set for each type.

The type is set by selecting it from a drop-down list that is displayedby pressing a drop-down button 567. FIG. 18 illustrates one example of adrop-down list 570. When “IP Address” on the drop-down list 570 ispressed, for example, an IP-address input window is popped up. FIG. 19illustrates one example of an IP-address input window 580.

The IP-address input window 580 contains: a text box 581 for input of anIP address; and a button 582 for import of a list file. When the button582 is pressed, application software (hereinafter referred to as“application”) for browsing and searching for a file is started. Theuser uses this application to designate a list file to be imported. Whenthe list file is imported, the contents of the list file are input tothe text box 581.

The user may input an IP address into the text box 581 using thekeyboard. As in the example in FIG. 19, the user may use the wildcard“*”.

When the input of the IP address is finished, and the input IP addressis set to the region 566 of the new-smart-filter creating window 560,the user presses an OK button 583 provided on the IP-address inputwindow 580. In response, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the IP address inputto the text box 581 of the IP-address input window 580 is set to theregion 566 of the new-smart-filter creating window 560.

When canceling the input IP address, the user presses a Cancel button584. In response, the IP address input to the text box 581 is deleted.

When one of the types is selected, the selected type is grayed out onthe drop-down list 570 so as not to be selected again.

When the user finishes the input on the new-smart-filter creating window560 and wants to register the input IP address as a new smart filter,the user presses an OK button 568. When the user does not want toregister the input IP address as a new smart filter, the user presses aCancel button 569.

When the user operates the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 10 to press the “+”operating symbol 516 on the left pane 510, a new-group creating windowis popped up. FIG. 20A illustrates one example of a new-group creatingwindow 590. The new-group creating window 590 contains a text box 591for input of a group name, an OK button 592, and a Cancel button 593.

The new-group creating window 590 is popped up in the case where the “+”operating symbol 516 is pressed in a state in which any of the MFPs 200displayed on the device-list region 525 is not selected as illustratedin FIG. 10. Thus, a new group in which only the group name is set iscreated on the new-group creating window 590, and no MFPs 200 belong tothe new group.

In contrast, in the case where the “+” operating symbol 516 is pressedas illustrated FIG. 13 or 14 in a state in which at least one of theMFPs 200 displayed on the device-list region 525 is selected, anew-group creating window 590′ illustrated in FIG. 20B is popped up.

The new-group creating window 590′ in FIG. 20B is different from thenew-group creating window 590 in FIG. 20A in that a check box 594 isadditionally displayed. The check box 594 is checked in the defaultsetting. Thus, when the user operates the new-group creating window 590′to input a new group name to the text box 591 and presses the OK button592, a new group belonging to the selected MFP 200 is created.

Task Creating Processing

When the user presses “Show all” for any of the action selection region532 and the instant-task selection region 533 of the right pane 530 onthe HOME screen 500 in FIG. 14, the types of all the selectable actionsand instant tasks are displayed. FIG. 21 illustrates one example of theright pane 530 in this case.

The types of actions selectable on an action selection region 532′ arefive types in the illustrated example, and the five types arerespectively provided with tabs 532 a-532 e each for making a transitionto a setting screen. The types of instant tasks selectable on aninstant-task selection region 533′ are seven types in the illustratedexample, and the seven types are respectively provided with tabs 533a-533 g each for making a transition to a setting screen. The types ofthe scheduled tasks selectable on the scheduled-task selection region534 are two types in the illustrated example, and the two types arerespectively provided with tabs 534 a, 534 b each for making atransition to a setting screen.

It is noted that the display order of actions in the category of theaction, i.e., the actions of the five types in the illustrated example,changes depending upon the frequency of use, the number of use, the lastuse date, or the like. That is, the actions are arranged such that theaction with a higher frequency of use, the larger number of use, a newerlast use date is positioned at a higher level. Likewise, the displayorder of the instant tasks and the display order of the scheduled taskschange in the similar manner.

In the case where a plurality of the MFPs 200 are selected as in theright pane 530 in FIG. 21, some types of the actions and the tasks arein some case not supported by the MFP 200 and cannot set for the MFP200. In this case, the actions and the tasks that cannot be set aregrayed out and cannot be selected.

When the user presses the tab 533 e displayed on the instant-taskselection region 533′ on the right pane 530 in FIG. 21, for example, theHOME screen 500 in FIG. 14 is switched to a task setting screen for“Send Files” that is one of the instant tasks. FIG. 22 illustrates oneexample of a task setting screen 600 for “Send Files”.

The task setting screen 600 in FIG. 22 contains: atransmission-destination-list region 601 for displaying a list ofdestinations of transmission of files; a password input box 602; afile-designation box 603 for designation of a file to be transmitted; abutton 604 for calling the above-described application for browsing andsearching for a file; and a solution-provider-ID input box 605. The tasksetting screen 600 further contains: a Send button 606 for instructingtransmission of the file; and a Cancel button 607 for canceling asetting.

The MFP 200 selected on the HOME screen 500 displayed just beforetransition to the task setting screen 600 is automatically input to thetransmission-destination-list region 601. Thus, the user can input apassword to the password input box 602, input a location of a file to betransmitted, to the file-designation box 603, input a solution-providerID to the solution-provider-ID input box 605, and press the Send button606 to transmit the designated file to the selected MFP 200 via asolution provider indicated by the input ID.

It is noted that an arrow indication 608 on the task setting screen 600is an operating symbol for instructing a return to the previous screen.Thus, the user can switch the screen back to the previous screen, i.e.,the HOME screen 500 in FIG. 14, by pressing this arrow indication 608.

Pressing the Send button 606 switches the task setting screen 600 to theHOME screen 500. FIG. 23 illustrates one example of the HOME screen 500switched from the task setting screen 600.

The HOME screen 500 in FIG. 23 is different from the HOME screen 500 inFIG. 14 displayed before transition to the task setting screen 600, inthat a notification badge 502 a is displayed at a corner of the taskbutton 502, and a footer notification 505 is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the notification badge 502 a has a roundshape and notifies the user that the task has been set. The notificationbadge 502 a is displayed in blue in a state in which the task is set.The notification badge 502 a is displayed in red while the task is beingperformed. When the HOME screen 500 is switched to the task settingscreen 600, the notification badge 502 a disappears from the screen.

Like the notification badge 502 a, when the task is set, the footernotification 505 is displayed to notify the user that the task has beenset. Unlike the notification badge 502 a, however, the footernotification 505 disappears after a predetermined lapse of time or whena “x” button 505 a is pressed.

It is noted that the notification badge 502 a and the footernotification 505 are displayed when not only the task for “Send Files”but also any task is set.

When the user presses the tab 533 a displayed on the instant-taskselection region 533′ on the right pane 530 in FIG. 21, the HOME screen500 in FIG. 14 is switched to a task setting screen for “FirmwareUpdate” as one of the instant tasks. FIG. 24 illustrates one example ofa task setting screen 610 indicating “Firmware Update”.

The task setting screen 610 in FIG. 24 contains: an update-object listregion 611 for displaying a list of the MFPs 200 to be updated; apassword input box 612; an Update button 613 for instructing an update;and a Cancel button 614 for canceling a setting.

The MFP 200 selected on the HOME screen 500 displayed just beforetransition to the task setting screen 610 is automatically input to theupdate-object list region 611. Thus, the user can input a password tothe password input box 612 and press the Update button 613 to updatefirmware of the MFP 200 to be updated.

Like the arrow indication 608 on the task setting screen 600 (see FIG.22), an arrow indication 615 on the task setting screen 610 is anoperating symbol for instructing a return to the previous screen. Thus,the user can switch the screen back to the previous screen, i.e., theHOME screen 500 in FIG. 14, by pressing this arrow indication 615.

When the user presses the tab 533 c displayed on the instant-taskselection region 533′ on the right pane 530 in FIG. 21, the HOME screen500 in FIG. 14 is switched to a task setting screen for “Edit DeviceSettings” as one of the instant tasks. FIG. 25 illustrates one exampleof a task setting screen 620 for “Edit Device Settings”.

The task setting screen 620 in FIG. 25 contains: an edit-object-listregion 621 for displaying a list of the MFPs 200 for “Edit DeviceSettings”; a password input box 622; a new-IP-address input box 623; anew-node-name input box 624; a new-location input box 625; a new-contactinput box 626; and a new-password input box 627.

The task setting screen 620 contains: an Apply button 628 forinstructing application of a result of the edit to each of the MFPs 200;and a Cancel button 629 for canceling the result of the edit.

The MFP 200 selected on the HOME screen 500 displayed just beforetransition to the task setting screen 620 is also automatically input tothe edit-object-list region 621. Thus, the user can input a password tothe password input box 612, input a value to a desired one of the inputboxes 623-627, and press the Apply button 628 to change a device settingof the MFP 200 to be edited. In the case where there are a plurality ofthe MFPs 200 to be edited, it is impossible to edit the IP address andthe node name. In this case, specifically, the new-IP-address input box623 and the new-node-name input box 624 are grayed out so as to inhibitreception of an input. This is because the same IP address and the samenode name must not exist on the same network. That is, this is because,when the Apply button 628 is pressed in a state in which a new IPaddress and a new node name are input respectively to the new-IP-addressinput box 623 and the new-node-name input box 624, the input new IPaddress and the input new node name are applied to all the MFPs 200 tobe edited.

Like the arrow indication 608 on the task setting screen 600 (see FIG.22), an arrow indication 630 on the task setting screen 620 is also anoperating symbol for instructing a return to the previous screen. Thus,the user can switch the screen back to the previous screen, i.e., theHOME screen 500 in FIG. 14, by pressing this arrow indication 615.

When the user presses the application setting button 503 on the HOMEscreen 500 in FIG. 10, a window of an application setting screen ispopped up. FIG. 26 illustrates one example of an application settingscreen 650.

The application setting screen 650 includes a left pane 660 and a rightpane 670. The left pane 660 is a region for displaying a setting itemlist. The right pane 670 is a region for detailed setting of each itemon the setting item list.

In the example in FIG. 26, an item “Device Discovery” is selected fromthe setting item list on the left pane 660, and a type of a parametersettable for the item “Device Discovery” and input fields for the valueare displayed on the right pane 670. It is noted that “Device Discovery”means search of a device communicably connected to the PC 100, i.e., theMFP 200 in the present embodiment.

The contents displayed on the right pane 670, i.e., the settingcontents, are switchable by tabs 671, 672. The tab 671 selected in theillustrated example is named “Discovery Method”. “Discovery Method” is amethod of search. Specifically, a USB and a network are selectedrespectively on check boxes 671 a, 671 b as communication standardbetween the PC 100 and the MFP 200, and broadcast communication isselected on a check box 671 c for the network. As an IP address used forthe broadcast communication, “255.255.255.255” is input on a text box671 d.

It is noted that the application setting screen 650 disappears when aClose button 651 or a “x” button 652 is pressed.

Configuration of Task Screen

When the user presses the task button 502 on the HOME screen 500 in FIG.23, this HOME screen 500 is switched to a task screen. FIG. 27illustrates one example of a task screen 700.

The task screen 700 contains a left pane 710 and a center pane 720. Thecenter pane 720 contains an upper pane 730 and a lower pane 740.

The left pane 710 is a region for displaying a list of types of tasksbeing set (a task-type list). In the illustrated example, two tasksbelonging to the category of the instant task and five tasks belongingto the category of the scheduled task are displayed.

The center pane 720 is a region for displaying an operating status ofone of the task types which is selected from the task-type listdisplayed on the left pane 710. The upper pane 730 displays informationrelating to a working task (“Working Task”), and the lower pane 740displays a task log (“Task Log”).

The upper pane 730 contains a working-task list region 731 fordisplaying a list of the working tasks. In the example in FIG. 27, sincethe instant task is selected from the task-type list displayed on theleft pane 710, instant working tasks are displayed on the working-tasklist region 731. Display items for the instant task include a type of atask (“Task Type”), a status (“Status”), a start date and time of thetask (“Started”), and the number of target MFPs 200 (“Target”). Itshould be noted that these display items are one example, and otheritems may be displayed.

The item “Task Type” is displayed when the instant task is selected, andis not displayed when another task is selected, that is, when any of“Send Device Log (2)”, “Send Device Status (1)”, “Send Device List (1)”,and “Discovery Action (1)” is selected in the illustrated example. Thisis because the instant task is a general term, and each of the othertasks is the name of the individual task. That is, this is because thetasks belonging to the instant task include a plurality of types such as“Firmware Update” as illustrated in FIG. 21 (seven types in theillustrated example). Thus, in the case where the general term is usedfor any other task such as the scheduled task, the display items include“Task Type”.

A left end of the working-task list region 731 contains check boxes 732,733 of two types. The uppermost check box 732 can collectively change aselected or unselected state for all the check boxes 733 provided forthe respective tasks being operated. Each of the check boxes 733 canindividually change the selected or unselected state for a correspondingone of the tasks being operated.

The lower pane 740 contains a task-log region 741 for displaying tasklogs. The lower pane 740 contains a status-selection combo box 742similar to the status-selection combo box 521 illustrated in FIG. 10.Since each of finished tasks displayed on the task-log region 741 has astatus (Status), when the user selects one of the statuses from adrop-down list, not illustrated, that is displayed by pressing adrop-down button 743 provided on a right end of a selection combo box742, when only the finished task or tasks having the selected status aredisplayed on the task-log region 741. In the example in FIG. 27, “AllStatus” is selected as the status, and accordingly all the finishedtasks are displayed on the task-log region 741.

Two types of check boxes 744, 745 are provided on a left end of thetask-log region 741. The functions of the respective check boxes 744,745 are similar to those of the respective check boxes 732, 733, and anexplanation thereof is dispensed with.

When the user selects an upper one of the two working tasks displayed onthe working-task list region 731 on the task screen 700 in FIG. 27, asillustrated in FIG. 28, the check box 732 is checked. In response, aright pane 750 is displayed on the task screen 700.

The right pane 750 is a region for displaying (i) information relatingto the selected working task and (ii) a type of action for the workingtask.

Specifically, examples of the information relating to the working taskinclude a type of a task (“Send File”), a status (“Working”), the startdate and time (“Started: 2019/01/01 12:00:12”), the number of the MFPs200 for the task (Target Devices: 100).

The type of the action includes three type: “Show Detail”; “Save asProfile”; and “Stop”.

When the user presses “Stop” as one action on the task screen 700 inFIG. 28, a reconfirmation window is popped up. FIG. 29 illustrates oneexample of a reconfirmation window 760.

The reconfirmation window 760 contains an OK button 761 and a Cancelbutton 762 with a reconfirmation message “Do you want to cancel selectedtask?”. The user presses the OK button 761 to perform a cancelinstruction. The user presses the Cancel button 762 to cancel the cancelinstruction.

When the user selects the uppermost one of the finished tasks displayedon the task-log region 741 on the task screen 700 in FIG. 27, that is,when the user selects the finished task with a status “Error”, asillustrated in FIG. 30, a check box 745 is checked. In response, a rightpane 750′ is displayed on the task screen 700.

The right pane 750′ is a region for displaying (i) information relatingto the selected finished task and (ii) a type of action for the finishedtask.

Specifically, examples of the information relating to the finished taskinclude a type of a task (“Send File”), a status (“Error”), the startdate and time (“Started: 2019/01/01 12:00:12”), the finished date andtime (“Finished: 2019/01/01 12:10:10”), the number of the MFPs 200 forthe task (Target Devices: 100), the number of the MFPs 200 for which thetask is finished normally (Complete Devices: 80), and the number of theMFPs 200 for which the task is finished erroneously (Error Devices: 20).

The type of the action includes three types: “Show Detail”; “Save asProfile”; and “Delete”.

When the user presses “Show Detail” as one action on the task screen 700in FIG. 30, the task screen 700 is switched to a task-detail screen.FIG. 31 illustrates one example of a task-detail screen 800.

The task-detail screen 800 contains: a detail display region 801 fordisplaying detailed contents of the selected finished task; a Retry(“Retry Failed Device”) button 803; a Cancel button 804; and an arrowindication 805.

The task-detail screen 800 is a detailed screen for tasks whose tasktype is “Send Files”. Thus, the task-detail screen 800 is created byusing the task setting screen “Send Files”, i.e., the above-describedtask setting screen 600 in FIG. 22. Accordingly, the task-detail screen800 contains an input box contained in a region 802 on the task-detailscreen 800. However, since an input operation cannot be performed intothe input box, the input box contained in the region 802 is grayed out.FIG. 31 illustrates the input box not grayed out for convenience of theillustration.

When the user presses the Retry button 803 on the task-detail screen800, the task-detail screen 800 is switched to a task setting screensimilar to the task setting screen 600. Unlike the task setting screen600, only the MFP 200 finished erroneously is selected and input in thetransmission-destination-list region 601 on the switched task settingscreen. This switched task setting screen enables the user to performthe task “Send Files” again.

Password Setting Processing

FIG. 32 illustrates one example of a task setting screen 900. This tasksetting screen 900 is for setting the task “Send Files” but describedfor explaining a password setting processing. Thus, a password is unseton the task setting screen 900.

The task setting screen 900 contains: a transmission-destination-listregion 901 for displaying a list of the MFPs 200 to which a file is tobe transmitted; a file-designation box 903 for designation of the fileto be transmitted; and a button 904 for calling the above-describedapplication for browsing and searching for the file. The task settingscreen 900 further contains: a Send button 905 for instructingtransmission of the file; a Cancel button 906 for canceling a setting;and a password-input request (“Input Device Password”) button 908 fordisplaying an operating symbol and a password input box for input of apassword. An arrow indication 907 is an operating symbol for instructinga return to the previous screen.

The transmission-destination-list region 901 contains a password inputfield (“Device Password”). In the example in FIG. 32, the password inputfield is blank. When the user presses the Send button 905 in the statein which the password input field is blank, a warning window is poppedup. FIG. 33 illustrates one example of a warning window 950.

The warning window 950 contains an OK button 951 and a Cancel button 952with a warning message “Device password is not input in some devices. Doyou want to continue?”. The user presses the OK button 951 to perform afile transmitting instruction. The user presses the Cancel button 952 tocancel the file transmitting instruction.

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of the task setting screen 900 in thecase where the password-input request button 908 is pressed, and apassword-input box 902 is displayed. In the example in FIG. 34, however,since a password has already been displayed on the password-input box902, the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 34 is established after a statein which the password-input box 902 is blank (a state before thepassword is input).

The task setting screen 900 in FIG. 34 further contains: a Set button911 for setting a password input to the password-input box 902, bybatch, to all the MFPs 200 displayed on thetransmission-destination-list region 901; and a Cancel button 912 forcanceling the setting. When the password-input box 902 is displayed,designation of a file to be transmitted and transmission of a file areinhibited, the file-designation box 903 and the buttons 904-906 aregrayed out. In FIG. 34, the file-designation box 903 and the buttons904-906 are not grayed out for convenience of the illustration.

In the case where the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 32 is switched tothe task setting screen 900 in FIG. 34, check boxes having been checkedare displayed for the respective MFPs 200 displayed on thetransmission-destination-list region 901 in list form. The task settingscreen 900 in FIG. 34 is a task setting screen in a password batchsetting mode. Thus, in the case where the task setting screen 900 inFIG. 32 is switched to the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 34, the MFPs200 displayed on the transmission-destination-list region 901 in listform on the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 32 are displayed in aselected state in the default setting. In the case where the user wantsto cancel the selected state for some of all the MFPs 200 displayed inthe selected state, the user at least needs to turn off the checks incorresponding check boxes.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, when the user presses the Set button 911 in astate in which a password is input to the password-input box 902, asillustrated in FIG. 35, the input password is temporarily set by batchto all the MFPs 200 displayed on the transmission-destination-listregion 901. Here, the temporary setting means that the input passwordand each of the MFPs 200 are merely associated with each other on the PC100, and the input password is not actually set to each of the MFPs 200.On the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 35, the file-designation box 903and the buttons 904-906 are also grayed out.

FIG. 36 illustrates the task setting screen 900 displayed after the userpresses the Send button 905 on the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 35.That is, when the Send button 905 is pressed, the password having beentemporarily set and the file designated in the file-designation box 903are transmitted together to a plurality of the MFPs 200. Thus, the tasksetting screen 900 in FIG. 36 is different from the task setting screen900 in FIG. 32 in that a password is set for each of all the MFPs 200displayed on the transmission-destination-list region 901.

It is noted that the Send button 905 becomes pressable when the Setbutton 911 or the Cancel button 912 is pressed on the task settingscreen 900 in FIG. 35, the password-input box 902 disappears, and thepassword-input request button 908 is displayed.

FIG. 37 illustrates a situation in which a password is individually setto each of the MFPs 200 displayed on the transmission-destination-listregion 901 of the task setting screen 900. As illustrated in FIG. 37, anicon of a key shape is displayed on the transmission-destination-listregion 901 for each of the MFPs 200 which requires a password, and anindividual-password input box 921 is displayed next to the icon. Theuser designates the individual-password input boxes 921 one by one andinputs a password to each of the individual-password input boxes 921.

The task setting screen 900 in FIG. 37 further contains apassword-mass-input request (“Mass Input Device Password”) button 908′.When the password-mass-input request button 908′ is pressed by the user,as on the task setting screen 900 in FIG. 34, the password-input box902, the Set button 911, and the Cancel button 912 are displayed insteadof the password-mass-input request button 908′.

Effects

As described above, the non-transitory storage medium stores a pluralityof instructions executable by a processor of the PC 100 configured tocommunicate with the MFP 200. The PC 100 includes the communicationinterface 160 and the database 154. The plurality of instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the PC 100 to execute: thedetermination processing (S1, S2) in which the PC 100 determines whetherthere is the device list in the database 154 at the initial start of thePC 100, the device list being a list of at least one MFP 200; the searchprocessing (S11, S14) in which the PC 100 searches for the MFP 200communicable with the PC 100 when the PC 100 determines in thedetermination processing that there is no device list in the database154 (S1 or S2: NO); and the creation processing (S12) in which the PC100 creates the device list based on a result of the search processing.

This configuration makes it possible to search for the MFP 200 at anoptimum timing to efficiently create the device list.

In the present embodiment, the MFP 200 is one example of a functionexecuting device. The communication interface 160 is one example of acommunication device. The PC 100 is one example of a communicationapparatus.

Examples of the initial start include at least one of the first start ofthe PC 100 after a setting of the configuration of the informationprocessing program, the first start of the PC 100 after an update ofsoftware of the information processing program, and the first start ofthe PC 100 after deletion of the database 154.

With this configuration, the PC 100 determines whether the device listis present, at an initial start with a high possibility that no devicelist is present in the database 154. This makes it possible to furtherefficiently create the device list.

When the database 154 is accessible via the platform (S1: YES), the PC100 determines in the determination processing via the platform whetherthere is the device list in the database 154. When the PC 100 determinesin the determination processing that there is not the device list in thedatabase 154 (S1: NO), the PC 100 searches for the MFP 200 in the searchprocessing not via the platform but via another route (S14).

This makes it possible to search for the MFP 200 while effectively usingthe platform.

The PC 100 includes the display. When there are a plurality of thedevice lists in the database 154 (S6: NO), the PC 100 executes thedisplay processing (S9) in which the PC 100 controls the display 120 todisplay the device-list selection screen for selection of any of thedevice lists.

This enables the user to select a desired device list in advance.

When there are a plurality of databases each containing the device list(S3: YES), the PC 100 controls the display 120 in the display processingto display the database-selection screen for selection of any of thedatabases (S4).

This enables the user to select a desired database in advance.

When the PC 100 determines in the determination processing that there isthe device list in the database 154, the PC 100 executes the updateprocessing (S8) in which the PC 100 updates information relating to theMFP 200 on the device list, without searching for the MFP 200 in thesearch processing (S11, S14).

This makes it possible to effectively use the device list in thedatabase 154.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory storage medium storing aplurality of instructions executable by a processor of a communicationapparatus configured to communicate with a function executing device,the communication apparatus comprising a communication device and adatabase, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor,causing the communication apparatus to execute: a determinationprocessing in which the communication apparatus determines whether thereis a device list in the database at an initial start of thecommunication apparatus, the device list being a list of at least onefunction executing device; a search processing in which thecommunication apparatus searches for the function executing devicecommunicable with the communication apparatus when the communicationapparatus determines in the determination processing that there is notthe device list in the database; and a creation processing in which thecommunication apparatus creates the device list based on a result of thesearch processing.
 2. The non-transitory storage medium according toclaim 1, wherein the device list contains at least one functionexecuting device each as the function executing device communicable withthe communication apparatus.
 3. The non-transitory storage mediumaccording to claim 1, wherein the initial start is any of at least oneof a first start after a setting of a configuration of the plurality ofinstructions, a first start after a completion of an update of softwareof the plurality of instructions, and a first start after deletion ofthe database.
 4. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor,cause the communication apparatus to: when the database is accessiblevia a platform, determine in the determination processing via theplatform whether there is the device list in the database; and when thecommunication apparatus determines in the determination processing thatthere is not the device list in the database, search for the functionexecuting device in the search processing not via the platform but viaanother route.
 5. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim1, wherein the communication apparatus comprises a display, and whereinthe plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause thecommunication apparatus to, when there are a plurality of device listsin the database, execute a display processing in which the communicationapparatus controls the display to display a device-list selection screenfor selection of any of the plurality of device lists.
 6. Thenon-transitory storage medium according to claim 5, wherein theplurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause thecommunication apparatus to, when there are a plurality of databases eachcontaining the device list, control the display in the displayprocessing to display a database-selection screen for selection of anyof the plurality of databases.
 7. The non-transitory storage mediumaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the communication apparatus to, whenthe communication apparatus determines in the determination processingthat there is the device list in the database, execute an updateprocessing in which the communication apparatus updates informationrelating to the function executing device on the device list, withoutsearching for the function executing device in the search processing. 8.A communication apparatus, comprising: a communication device configuredto communicate with a function executing device; a database; and acontroller configured to execute: a determination processing in whichthe controller determines whether there is a device list in the databaseat an initial start of the communication apparatus, the device listbeing a list of at least one function executing device; a searchprocessing in which the controller searches for the function executingdevice communicable with the communication apparatus when the controllerdetermines in the determination processing that there is not the devicelist in the database; and a creation processing in which the controllercreates the device list based on a result of the search processing. 9.The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the devicelist contains at least one function executing device each as thefunction executing device communicable with the communication apparatus.10. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein theinitial start is any of at least one of a first start after a setting ofa configuration of the plurality of instructions, a first start after acompletion of an update of software of a plurality of instructionsstored in the communication apparatus, and a first start after deletionof the database.
 11. The communication apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the controller is configured to: when the database is accessiblevia a platform, determine in the determination processing via theplatform whether there is the device list in the database; and when thecontroller determines in the determination processing that there is notthe device list in the database, search for the function executingdevice in the search processing not via the platform but via anotherroute.
 12. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein thecommunication apparatus comprises a display, and wherein the controlleris configured to, when there are a plurality of device lists in thedatabase, execute a display processing in which the controller controlsthe display to display a device-list selection screen for selection ofany of the plurality of device lists.
 13. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to, whenthere are a plurality of databases each containing the device list,control the display in the display processing to display adatabase-selection screen for selection of any of the plurality ofdatabases.
 14. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, whereinthe controller is configured to, when the communication apparatusdetermines in the determination processing that there is the device listin the database, execute an update processing in which the controllerupdates information relating to the function executing device on thedevice list, without searching for the function executing device in thesearch processing.
 15. A list creating method for a communicationapparatus configured to communicate with a function executing device,the communication apparatus comprising a communication device and adatabase, the list creating method comprising: determining whether thereis a device list in the database at an initial start of thecommunication apparatus, the device list being a list of at least onefunction executing device; searching for the function executing devicecommunicable with the communication apparatus when it is determined thatthere is not the device list in the database; and creating the devicelist based on a result of the searching.
 16. The list creating methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the device list contains at least onefunction executing device each as the function executing devicecommunicable with the communication apparatus.
 17. The list creatingmethod according to claim 15, wherein the initial start is any of atleast one of a first start after a setting of a configuration of theplurality of instructions, a first start after a completion of an updateof software of the plurality of instructions, and a first start afterdeletion of the database.
 18. The list creating method according toclaim 15, wherein the determining whether there is the device list inthe database at the initial start of the communication apparatuscomprises determining via the platform whether there is the device listin the database, when the database is accessible via a platform, andwherein the searching for the function executing device communicablewith the communication apparatus comprises searching for the functionexecuting device not via the platform but via another route, when thecommunication apparatus determines in the determination processing thatthere is not the device list in the database.
 19. The list creatingmethod according to claim 15, wherein the communication apparatuscomprises a display, and wherein the list creating method furthercomprises displaying a device-list selection screen on the display whenthere are a plurality of device lists in the database, the device-listselection screen being for selection of any of the plurality of devicelists.
 20. The list creating method according to claim 19, wherein thedisplaying the device-list selection screen comprises displaying adatabase-selection screen for selection of any of the plurality ofdatabases, when there are a plurality of databases each containing thedevice list.